How Soon Will They Play?

War Eagle, everybody! It’s the day after signing day, and aren’t we relieved that recruiting season has ended? Much like the numbness after a successful root canal, we’re glad it’s all over, for the rest of the year! For us Auburn Tigers, there is much to celebrate. Before the coaching turbulence on the Plains, Auburn had assembled an impressive class. Despite the resignation of Tommy Tuberville, and an unpopular replacement hire, the class held together, and Auburn even added a few late gems! Coach Gene Chizik and his staff are to be commended, for hanging onto most of Tuberville’s commitments, and adding a lot more! War Eagle!

And so, how does this class fit in with the current Auburn football team? Who can help immediately? Who’s not going to make it? Time will tell, but a look at what we already have, and who’s coming in, will give us an idea. Auburn signed a skill-player-heavy group, this go-round. The lament heard round the Plains the past couple of seasons, was that the team lacked playmakers. If nothing else, the incoming class promises to end that deficiency!

Situation: Auburn returns 3 salty veterans in the middle, but none were dominant SEC linemen. Fairley is the most likely to see early playing time, if his academic situation holds up, but Travis is a real possibility, as the 11th ranked defensive tackle in the country. Somehow, some way, Auburn needs to put a 4th capable tackle on the field, next fall.

Situation: Auburn returns the superstar Coleman, with Carter backing him up, but needs help on the strong side. Terrance Coleman is likely to see playing time, but Auburn will likely have to find a strong side backup from the current scout team.

Situation: Taylor is the only designated corner on the list. Given the experience returning, Taylor is likely to redshirt in 2009. Aaron Savage is a possible move back to safety, because we DO remember how much Chizik likes speedy safeties who can play the ball! If Savage goes back to safety, Taylor has a better chance to play early.

Safety(I’ve lumped the “athlete” signees here, because that’s often where they end up!)

Situation: Some of these players will end up elsewhere. For instance, Aycock is being recruited as a running back, and Paige as a corner. With the experience of Etheridge and McNeil, and a possible move by Aaron Savage, look for most of these guys to redshirt.

Situation: Auburn has a corps of veteran linemen from which the starters are likely to emerge. Both signed linemen are HUGE, and will likely need conditioning before any serious playing time is considered.

Tight End

PHILLIP LUTZENKIRCHEN, TE, 6-4, 240, Lassiter-Marrietta, Ga.

Incumbents: Tommy Trott, Gabe McKenzie, Vance Smith

Situation: We’ve been promised the great “receiving tight end” since the days of Bowden and Jack Schwieger, and pretty much have not had the advertised hands end up on the field at Auburn. Lutzenkirchen is supposed to be that guy, but meanwhile, he’ll have to surpass one of 3 veterans to get that playing time. At 240 pounds, it’s not likely, in the SEC. After a redshirt year of Yoxercise, and the graduation of McKenzie and Trott, look out!

Situation: Benton, if he REALLY qualifies academically, should step in and start. He’s that good! All of the signees are top-100 receivers, and playing time in Malzhon’s offense could be there, especially if the veterans don’t step up. Emery Blake is a special talent, too, and will likely play early.

Situation: In addition to the two “official” running back signees, a number of the “athletes,” such as Dontay Aycock, are being looked at as backs. McCaleb is an electrifying talent, with speed not seen in the Tiger backfield since the days of Bo Jackson and Brent Fullwood. However, he’s really on the light side. Jacobs is a powerhouse, too, but vying for playing time against the established tandem of returning backs, it’s more likely that both signees will redshirt.

Situation: Quarterback becomes the most crowded position at Auburn, today. Likely, several of these players will move elsewhere, to other positions, or other teams. Whomever takes to Malzhon’s scheme fastest, will likely start. However, having seen SEC speed on the field, you’d HAVE to think that Kodi Burns and Chris Todd would have the huge advantage. I would not be surprised to see Todd start, if his shoulder recovers. That would mean “pine-time,” for the signees. Rollinson is said to be a spectacular athlete…

As usual, some of these guys may not make it, academically. In addition, Auburn may sign additional players, such as running back David Oku, who elected not to sign on “signing day.” Still, you’d have to think that those who’ll likely see the field in 2009, are listed above.

.....Still making noise after all these years! Lifetime slacker, dreamer, and miscreant with a knack for calculation. I was born in the United State of Texas, but have spent the majority of my years here amongst the shaded hills of the Tragic City, enjoying glorious smog-enhanced sunsets. In a troubled county, I live in a little slice of paradise between the ridges of Red and Shades Mountains.
I've been an obsessive Auburn football follower since the Punt-Bama-Punt days, and have seen a lot of great football on the Plains. This lazy shirker finally learned the value of hard work and persistence from the fine folks in Auburn, and enjoys his return visits immensely!
Hobbies include guitar-playing (or really just making loud and weird noise on any sort of instrument or object), cooking, computers, tennis, and old-school pen and paper RPGs.
I love getting together with a good drink, great family, and friends. View Profile →

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